Does post-operative rehabilitation treat tibial plateau fracture?

The tibial plateau is the upper surface of the shinbone that forms part of the knee joint. Surgery may stabilise the fracture, while rehabilitation addresses stiffness, swelling, muscle loss and altered walking. Early therapy may focus on safe transfers, gentle knee motion and maintaining strength without breaking weight-bearing rules. Later stages add supported standing, gait training and functional exercises. The permitted load depends on the fracture pattern and fixation, so it must come from your orthopaedic team.

Use crutches, a frame or other aid exactly as taught, and keep weight off or limited on the leg when instructed. Do the prescribed ankle, thigh and knee exercises without forcing painful motion. Elevate the leg when advised, care for the incision, and make the home safer by reducing trip hazards. Attend imaging and therapy follow-ups so loading can change safely when healing supports it.

Seek prompt advice for worsening pain or swelling, increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, numbness, or a cold or unusually pale foot. A fall, new deformity or sudden inability to move the knee needs urgent assessment. Chest pain, severe breathlessness or a painful swollen calf requires emergency help.

Ask when weight-bearing may increase, which knee movements are expected, and how to manage swelling after therapy. Ask how fracture healing will be checked, when walking aids may change, and which activities should wait.